KPCF Commends Kano’s N600m Safe Corridor Programme
By Our Correspondent
The Kano Patriotic Civil Society Coalition Forum (KPCF), on behalf of its 371 member organizations, has commended the Kano State Government under the leadership of Abba Kabir Yusuf for approving over N600 million for the rehabilitation, empowerment, and reintegration of repentant youths under the Safe Corridor Programme.
The Forum described the initiative as a bold and strategic intervention aimed at addressing youth political violence, thuggery, Daba activities, criminality, drug abuse, and other forms of social insecurity through a non-kinetic and sustainable approach.
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KPCF noted that the programme, which is directly supervised by Governor Yusuf and coordinated through the Kano State Ministry of Information and Internal Affairs, demonstrates the administration’s commitment to building a peaceful and violence-free society.
According to the Forum, the initiative represents a significant step toward restoring peace, protecting lives and property, and providing affected youths with opportunities to become productive and responsible members of society.
The coalition emphasized that rehabilitation, skills acquisition, psychosocial support, education, and economic empowerment remain critical tools for addressing the root causes of youth violence and criminality in Kano State.
KPCF therefore called on patriotic citizens, traditional institutions, religious leaders, civil society groups, and development partners to support the Safe Corridor Programme to ensure its long-term success and sustainability.
The Forum, however, strongly condemned the activities of political actors and alleged saboteurs accused of fueling the resurgence of Daba groups and inter-community youth violence for selfish political interests.
It warned that the continued recruitment and sponsorship of violent gangs for political intimidation and electoral manipulation could undermine the objectives of the Safe Corridor initiative and threaten the peace and stability of Kano State.
KPCF also called on security agencies to thoroughly investigate and prosecute individuals or groups found sponsoring, financing, or encouraging political violence and youth gangsterism in any form.
To strengthen the sustainability and effectiveness of the Safe Corridor Programme, KPCF recommended institutionalizing the programme through a legislative framework to ensure continuity beyond political administrations. The Forum also called for the establishment of a comprehensive monitoring and evaluation mechanism to track beneficiaries and ensure accountability and value for money.
It further recommended the expansion of vocational training, entrepreneurship grants, and educational opportunities for repentant youths to reduce the risk of relapse into criminal activities. KPCF also advocated for an Executive Order to strengthen community-based peacebuilding structures through the involvement of traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth groups, and civil society organizations.
The Forum urged the government to introduce strict sanctions against politicians and individuals found sponsoring or using youths for Daba activities or political thuggery, while also developing a state-wide youth empowerment and employment strategy targeting vulnerable communities affected by violence and drug abuse.
KPCF reiterated its commitment to supporting initiatives that promote peace, accountability, youth development, and good governance in Kano State.
